Meta-analysis of the incidence and risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events associated with anti-EGFR agents in non-small-cell lung cancer patients

ABSTRACT

Background: To determine the risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events (ATEs and VETs) associated with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) agents in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods: Prospective randomized trials evaluating therapy with or without anti-EGFR agents in NSCLC patients. Data on VTEs and ATEs were extracted.

Results: A total of 8,410 patients from 12 trials were included for analysis. Anti-EGFR agents significantly increased the risk of all-grade and high-grade VTEs (Peto OR 1.50, 95%CI 1.16–1.95, P = 0.002; Peto OR 1.73, 95%CI: 1.32–2.26, p < 0.001, respectively), but not for all-grade and high-grade ATEs.

Conclusion: The use of anti-EGFR agents significantly increased the risk of all-grade and high-grade VTEs but not for ATEs in NSCLC patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Anti-EGFR agents
• arterial thromboembolic events
• venous thromboembolic events
• meta-analysis

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.